Reno Fire Department releases cause of weekend apartment structure fire

On Saturday, May 21, 2022, at approximately 12:53 p.m., the Reno Fire Department (RFD) responded to a structure fire at the Rosewood Park Apartments, located at 4500 Mira Loma Drive. The fire engulfed an upstairs apartment and damaged the common attic space above the neighboring units.

Fire investigators determined that the fire started on the patio from carelessly discarded smoking materials. This is the second extensive structure fire in one week caused by smoking materials discarded in a planter.

RFD would like to remind everyone that, if you smoke:

• Smoke outside if possible.

• Never smoke in bed or while drowsy.

• Use a deep, sturdy ash tray and place it away from anything that can burn.

• Do not place cigarettes in vegetation or set on anything combustible that can ignite, especially planter boxes or pots.

• Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out, and dousing with water or sand is the best way to do that.

• Never smoke where medical oxygen is in use.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths. Overall, one of every 31 home smoking material fires result in death. The risk of dying in a home structure fire caused by smoking materials rises with age.

More smoking safety tips can be found on the NFPA website.

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